Green Surfaces: Counters, Floors

International Green Building Conference

Part 3 of 5

Consentino provides the most natural colors in their maintenance free quartz surface countertop, Silestone. Quartz is valued for its density--being not porous, and uniformity of color. They have developed a new line, Eco, which is composed of 75% post-industrial and post-consumer waste—which includes mirrors that gives it bits of eyecatching sparkles. It comes in ten colors, and costs 10-15% more for this green product. One user cautioned that they had issues with scratches and divots as of August 2009, and he recommended to investigate if they have worked out those bugs in the processing.

PaperStone products are composed of 100% recyclable post consumer waste. It can withstand 350 degree heat, one can sand out any scratches, and can be used in applications just as quartz. It can be specified for sinks, countertops, even wall paneling. Of course I asked, how does it hold up to water? The product is produced in the state of Washington, and a couple hundred Starbucks uses the material for their drive-thru shelves—which is exposed to frequent rain—and years later, there have been no problems. You can specify integral sinks in a different color if you would like. They come in earth tone colors, have a matte, leather look. I was surprised how heavy the samples were!

For more information on different types of countertop materials available, their benefits and drawbacks, check out the matrix at CookRemodeling.com.

Amtico International offers resilient, customizable flooring that is slip resistant with the look of ceramic stone, slate, marble or wood that is FloorScore certified for being a low voc* product and adhesive (*low chemical offgassing) for homeowners. Being a member of the SEN Design Group for select Kitchen & Bath Professionals, we were introduced to this company who is better known in the United Kingdom. Their original brand for residential is Amtico and they added a lower priced line, Spacia. It is recyclable, with 95% of their products made in the U.S.A., and is comprised of 20-36% recycled material. Not only is their product easier on the body’s joints, it is easy to maintain. One does not have to worry about grout lines darkening and needing to be sealed, or cleaning them after a spill or pet accident. It also offers ease of installation, it does not require use of a noisy, dusty saw, and you can walk on it the same day. Not only can you order the “tiles or planks” in the size you want, you can mix and match the looks for a custom design. They also offer templates for motifs and borders for that finishing touch.